Pipe-cutter.



PATENTED JUNE 19, 1906 LLEYES.

PIPE CUTTER. APPLICATION FILED MAILM, 1906.

2 sums-sum 1.

. PATENTED JUNE 19, 1906.

LLBYES. PIPE CUTTER.

APPLICATION TILED MAR. 24, 1906.

2 $HEETS-SHEET .2.

NDREW- a. GRfRAM m. mowumoemvnms. wlsmucrun. o. a

- UNITE ST TE )rA'rnNT OFFICE.

LOUIS ILEYES, OF CITY ISLAND, NEW YORK.

PIPE-CUTTER.

' Specification of Letters Patent.

l atented J une 19,1906;

Application filed March 24,1906. Serial No 307,767.

tubing of sufficient thickness to enable it to withstand a degree of external pressure which will admit of its being clamped in an ordinary vise, pipe-wrench, or other mechanical expedient, by which it may be held rigid and'stationary while subjected to the action of the cutting-tool, the pressure in such cases being applied only on certain portions of the periphery and not distributed uniformly circumferentially as in my implement as hereinafter set forth. Hence heretofore much inconvenience and loss of time has been in volved in cutting suchthin collapsible tubing, owing to the difliculty of holding and sup porting it firmly without denting or otherwise injuring it, and it has been practically impossible to sever one section from another without changing the configuration of the I tubing. The saws or files ordinarily used for the purpose also create a bur or roughness at the line of severance and render the operation comparatively slow, difficult, and uncertain.

, These difficulties I overcome by my inven tion, which is distinguished from the prior state of the art by the use of a special form of clamp fitting overthe tubing to be cut, said clamp consisting, essentially, of a split sleeve of flexible resilient material, upon which is mounted a rotatable cutter-head carrying a cutter-tool held to its work by elastic springpressure, which may be regulatedto meet the requirements of the thickness of the tubing under treatment. I

. My invention also contemplates the use, in

' conjunction with the split clamping-sleeve,

of a split bushing or bushings to compensate for differences in diameter'of tubingand in certain other special features in the construction and arrangement of parts herein-- after described and claimed specifically. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation of the face or cutting-tool end of the implement Fig. 2 an elevation taken at- Fig. 3 is a section p pl nqo e 3 s- Fi 4 i a right angles to Fig. 1.

collar 0 rests.

elevation of the implement, taken' on the side opposite to Fig: 2, the handle being partly 1 broken away and a piece of tubing. being shown as extending through the implement.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken upon plane of line 5 5, Fig. 4, andlooking toward the cut-' tor-head. Fig. 6 is an isometrical view of the clamp device. Fig. 7 is an elevation similar to Fig. 1, showing certain modifications in construction. Fig. 8 is a section u'pon plane 'of line 8 8, Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an isometrical view of the split bushing shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 10 is a section upon plane of line 10 10, Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is an elevation taken at right angles to Fig. 7. Fig. 12 is a sectional detail showinga modification in the interlocking of the sleeve-clutch and tool-head.

The sleeve-clamp C is designed, primarily, to be held by hand, and this is one of the distinguishing advantages afforded by my implement as a whole, although obviously if preferred or found expedient the sleeve 0 may be held by means of an auxiliarydevice' either movable or stationary without departing from the spirit and intent of my invention inthis respect, since this form of external pipe-clamp 1s new in the art in so far as I'am aware and may be advantageously employed in all cases where thin, fragile, and'collapsible tubing is to be out.

The sleeve-clamp C consists, essentially, of

a cylinder of flexible resilient material, preferably metallic, split or cut lon'gitudinally,so

as to afford a space 0 between the opposed edges when the sleeve is relaxed, and free from pressure externally appliedthat is to say, the resilience of the metal or other material of which the sleeve-clamp is composed is relied upon to open or expand the'clamp un;

der normal conditions. 7

At one extremity the cylindrical sleeve 0 is formed with a peripheral annular collar 0" for engagement with the rotatable tool-head IL-which is preferably, though not necessarily, annular in shape and is formed with an.

annular. groove it, within whichthe annular The head H may be formed in any desired manner to engage with the sleeveclamp C, so as to be rotatable thereon. In

the' drawings I show it as consisting of an an-' nular plate h, formed with a handle h integr'al therewith and havingscrewed or other-j wise rigidly secured to it the annular plate h the inner annular flange h of which overlaps the-annular collar 0 of the clamp-sleeve C,

which latter is placed in position before the the two plates h and k are united The internal diameter of the plate h is approximately that o the amp-sleeve C when the latter is exp d, and the depth of the annular should is such that the sleeve may be contracted until its opposed edges meet to close the space 0 without danger of disengaging space 0 represents the play or mar in requisite to admit of the clamping of the sleeve the parts, although as a matter of fact in use said opposed edges do not meet, since the C upon tubing slightly less in external diameter than the internal diameter of the plate h, the implement being so simple and cheap of structure that a separate implement may be provided for each standard size of tubing to be treated, or if this is inexpedient for any reason the implement may be made to accommodate a prescribed or maximum diameter of pipe 1), and smaller sizes of pipe may be compensated for and accommodated by the use of an auxiliary split bushing b of suitable material, as illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, and 9. In either case pressure applied externally around the sleeve C causes the pipe p to be clamped circumferentiallyin such manner that the pressure is distributed evenly peri herally agjalinst and around the portion of t e pipe wit 'n the length of the sleeve C, thereby reinforcing and sustaining the pipe in such manner as to preserve its shape and integrity.

The cutting-tool T is mounted on the short arm Z of the lever L, which is fulcrumed on the rotatable head H and between its face and a lateral spur or extension thereof it". The cutting-tool is secured in position by any suitable means. As shown in the drawings, the short arm Z of the lever L is bifurcated to receive the tool, and the bifurcated ends are clamped against the sides of the tool by lateral screws e e, a third or binding screw 6 being used to reinforce and sustain the tool on its seat.

The short arm Z of the lever L is thrust inward by a spring S, interposed between the handle it and the long arm Z of said lever L, asflat leaf-spring being preferably used for the urpose attached to the handle k near iiead H and having its free end bearing against the under side of thelever, as shown in the drawings, although a coil-spring may be substituted with similar result. The pressure exerted by the spring S against the lever L may be regulated by means of an adjusting-screw s engaging with a female screw-thread formed for its reception in the handle k and bearing against the inner surface of the spring. By this or equivalent means the pressure of the tool upon the tube to be cut may be adapted to the thickness of the material com osing such tube, it being understood that t e spring-pressure alone is relied upon to effect the cutting.

Thus in use, the long arm Z of the lever L having been depressed against the resistance of the spring S in order to retract the tool T, a piece of thin tubing of suitable diameteris inserted through the sleeve C and head H and properly adjusted in position with relation to the tool T, or, what amounts to the same thing, the implement is passed over or applied to the tubin The sleeve-clamp C is then firmly grasped and compressed by hand or otherwise, so as to hold the tube firmly in position against longitudinal or axial movement. The lever L is released and the head H rotated on the clamp-sleeve C and around the tube by means of the handle 71 which may be provided with a finger-loop h to facilitate the operation. As a result the point of the tool T impinging against the periphery of the tube forms a circumscribing incision in the tube, the resultin groove being gradually deepened, as the head H is rotated repeatedly until the tube is severed. The tube bein supported on all sides with a uniform even ydistributed peripheral pressure extending in close proximity to the cutter and the tension of the spring S being re ulated to the strength and requirements of the tubing to be treated, all danger of distortion or change in configuration of the tubing in cross-section is eliminated. Furthermore, the application of the implement to the tubing and its manipulation to sever the same may be quickly and conveniently accomplished in a small fraction of the time necessarily involved in filing or sawing the tubing as heretofore, and this may be done under circumstances and conditions where a vise with saw or file would not be available.

Where the implement is designed. to be used for more than one diameter of pipe, as where an auxiliary bushing b is used, I prefer to make both the lever L and the support for the spring S adjustable, so as to adapt the device to the requirements of the smaller diameter of tubing. Thus in Figs. 7 and 10 the fulcrum f is removable, consisting of the shank of a screw engaging a thread in the head H, and the lever L is formed with a plurality of pivotal holes Z in such manner that it may be set at different points with relation to the axial line of the clamping-sleeve C and head H, so as to bring the tool into proper relation to the peripheral surface of the tube to be cut. In this case also the spring S is socured to a plate "i, hinged. to the handle h, and the adjusting-screw s bears against the under side of said plate, as shown in Fig. 7, by which means the spring S may be regulated in position with relation to the lever L in order to effect and maintain the same relative arrangement of parts under all conditions of use.

It is obvious that the means by which the interlocking of the sleeve C and head H is of fected is of secondary importance, and to illustrate this fact I have shown a modification in Fig. 12 in which the annular collar '0 on the clamping-sleeve is formed with anoverhanging or return flange '0 which enters the groove h in the head, the essential featurein this connection consisting in so forming and interlocking the parts that thesleeve is allowed play or margin in which to expand or contract, as hereinbefore set forth, while the head is freely rotatable on said sleeve.

'I have found by actual experience that even the most thin delicate tubing. may be safely, quickly, and conveniently cut by the use of my implement and that the tool leaves the newedges of the tubing in'a compara tivel smooth finished condition with practical y no bur and with both sections of the tubing in their original shape jwithout peripheral indentation or distortion of form. The exertion required to compress and hold, the clamping-sleeve against the tubing "iscomparatively slight, especially after the first rotation of the cutting-head, since the tool then'naturally' tends to follow the circum} scribing incision first made by it. I 7

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isf v 1. In an im lement of the character desig nated, the com ination'of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilientmaterial formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a" rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular pe ripheral shoulder on the sleeve, and a cuttingtool mounted on said rotatable too'l-head,for

the purpose described. j

2. In an implement of the character designated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexibleresilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular pe-' ripheral shoulder on the sleeve, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on said rotatable toolhead, a cutting-tool mounted on said lever, and a spring bearing against said lever, for the purpose described.

3. In an implement of the character designated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full len th thereof and with an annular periphera shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical sleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on said rotatable head, a cutting-tool mounted upon one arm of said lever, and a spring interposed between the other arm of said lever and a projection of the rotatable tool-head, for the purpose described.

4. In an implement of the character desighated, the CoIhblhaJtlOh of a cylindrical 51mping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed .with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular pe- I ripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool -head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve, a rockable' tool-holder fulcrumed on said rockable head,

a cuttin -tool mounted upon said rockable tool-hol er, and a spring bearing against said rockable tool-holder, for the purpose described.

5. In an implement of the character designated the combination of a cylindrical cl amping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable 'tool-headi mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve, said rotatable tool-head be1ng formed with a projecting handle, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on' said rotatable head, a cutting-tool mounted upon one arm of said'lever, and a flat metal springinterposed between the other arm of said lever and the handle of the rotatable tool-head, for the purpose described.

6. In an implement of the character'desi'g- 5 nated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve,said rotatable tool-head being formed with a projecting handle, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on said rotatable head, a cutting-tool mounted upon one arm of said lever, a flat metal spring interposed between the other arm of 'saio lever and the handle of the rotatable tool-head, and means for regulating the pressure exerted by said spring for the purpose described.

7. Inan implement of the character designated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlockin with said-annular peripheral shoulder on t e sleeve, said rotata-' terposed between the other arm of said lever and the handle ,of the rotatable tool-head, and an adjusting-screw on said handle arranged to bear against said spring for the purpose described.

8. In an implement of the character designated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with a peripheral shoulder, arotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clamping-sleeve and interlooking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve, a cutting-tool mounted on said rotatable tool-head, and a split bushing of flexible resilient material fitting within said cylindrical clamping-sleeve for the purpose described.

9. In an implement of the characterdesignated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve, said rotatable tool-head being formed with a projecting handle, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on said rotatable head, means for adjusting said tool-holding lever on said rotatable head, a cutting-tool mounted upon one arm of said lever, and a spring interposed between the other arm of said'lever and the handle of the rotatable tool-head, for the purpose described.

10. In an implement of the character designated, the combination of a cylindrical clamping-sleeve of flexible resilient material formed with a longitudinal opening extending the full length thereof and with an annular peripheral shoulder, a rotatable tool-head mounted upon said cylindrical clampingsleeve and interlocking with said annular peripheral shoulder on the sleeve said rotatable tool-head being formed with. a projecting handle, a tool-holding lever fulcrumed on said rotatable head, means for adjusting said tool-holding lever on said rotatable head, a cutting-tool mounted upon one arm of said lever, a plate pivotally supported on the handle of the rotatable tool-head, a flat metal spring secured to said pivotally-supported plate and bearing against the other arm of said tool-holding lever, and a screw on the handle of the rotatable tool-head arranged. to bear on the inner side of said pivotally-supported plate for the purpose described.

LOUIS LEYES. Witnesses:

' F. E. LAURENCE, W. A. WALTERS.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 823,796, granted June 19, 1906,.

upon the application of Louis Leyes, of City Island, New York, for an improvement in Pipe Gutters, an error appears in the printed specification requiringv correction,,.

as follows: On page 2, lines 8-9 and 10-11 should be transposed; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the'same may con form to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 17th day of July, A. D., 1906.

[SEAL] 'E. B. MOORE,

Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

